As part of an ongoing investigation, four individuals and one company have admitted guilt in bid-rigging conspiracies across central Florida. Glenn Bailey and Douglas Sutter entered guilty pleas in the Middle District of Florida on January 8 and 9 for conspiring to suppress competition by manipulating bids on commercial roofing projects, a violation of the Sherman Act. Kenneth Cody and Christopher Rakos also pleaded guilty to similar charges on October 3 and December 6, 2024. Service Works of Fort Lauderdale LLC admitted guilt on October 3, 2024, with sentencing occurring on January 6.

The plea agreements revealed that each defendant knowingly engaged in a conspiracy to restrain trade by rigging bids for commercial roofing services in central Florida. The services included installing and repairing flat and sloped roofs on various facilities. These manipulated bids affected projects such as schools, religious buildings, condominiums, and retail stores.

"Safe, affordable roofing is critical to Florida communities that are prone to hurricanes and other harsh weather conditions," stated Acting Assistant Attorney General Doha Mekki of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. "The guilty pleas secured today further demonstrate our commitment to protecting the competitive bidding process that is essential to constructing and maintaining America’s infrastructure."

Acting Special Agent in Charge John Carlo of the Department of Education Office of Inspector General (OIG)’s Eastern Regional Office remarked, "These individuals thought they could game the system and would not get caught. They were wrong." He added that the OIG will continue collaborating with law enforcement partners to pursue those misappropriating education funds for personal gain.

The FBI and Department of Education OIG are leading the investigation into this case. Trial Attorneys Daniel A. Loveland Jr., Ronald P. Fiorillo II., Vijay N. Rao, and Sumaiya F. Ismail from the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division are prosecuting.